IPL: Delhi Capitals dent Punjab Kings' top-two hopes with six-wicket victory

Opting to bowl first after skipper Faf du Plessis won the toss, Delhi restricted Punjab to 201/6.

Despite solid knocks from Shreyas Iyer (53 off 34) and Marcus Stoinis (44 off 16), Punjab failed to build sustained momentum.

Mustafizur Rahman, coming in for Mitchell Starc, made an immediate impact with three crucial wickets that stifled Punjab's late-innings charge.

Punjab Kings, much like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans earlier in the season, faltered when presented with a defining opportunity.

Early breakthroughs offered them hope, but a resilient Delhi middle order turned the tide.

The Capitals' reply was anchored by a game-changing partnership between Karun Nair and emerging talent Sameer Rizvi.

Rizvi's blistering 58 off just 25 deliveries showcased his rising potential, ensuring Delhi cruised to the target with balls to spare.

Though Harpreet Brar managed two wickets, Punjab's bowlers couldn't contain the surge once the Capitals found rhythm.

This result leaves Punjab's hopes of a top-two finish hanging by a thread, while Delhi finish their campaign on a high, having spoiled another contender's run. 

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